Director's Update, February 25, 2024
2/23/2024 • 2 months ago
Dear Patrons,
On Tuesday, February 27, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Main Library, the Harvard & The Legacy of Slavery Initiative and the Library will host an event celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The event celebrates the inception of HBCUs and their rich legacy of cultural contributions through film and TV excerpts, artistic performances, visual art displays, and a panel discussion. Learn more here.
Join us at the Collins Branch on Wednesday, February 28, from 10:30 a.m. to noon to celebrate Black History Month and learn more about the Black men and women buried at Mount Auburn Cemetery. We will be distributing copies of our “Black History Walking Tour of Mount Auburn Cemetery,” a guide developed by librarians and the cemetery staff. Pick up your copy and a warm beverage and take a self-guided stroll of the cemetery. Learn more about this program.
Join us on Thursday, February 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Main Library for “Opera, Art Song, and the Harlem Renaissance: Celebrating Black Excellence,” Opera on Taps upcoming show celebrating the Harlem Renaissance. Some of Boston’s finest classical singers will be exploring music born of and inspired by the vibrant Harlem Renaissance while diving deep into the narratives of Black musicians, poets, and composers. Registration is required.
On Wednesday, February 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Harvard Book Store and the Library will welcome Tali Sharot, the award-winning author and professor of cognitive neuroscience at University College London and MIT, and Cass R. Sunstein, the nation's most-cited legal scholar and co-author of the national bestseller Nudge, for a discussion of their new book, Look Again: The Power of Noticing What Was Always There. Registration is required.
On Saturday, March 2, join the Girl Up New England Coalition and the Library at 1:30 p.m. for a Day of Action for Menstrual Equity! Together, we will assemble sustainable period kits for local girls in need while hearing from youth advocates, local entrepreneurs, and other women leaders speaking out against period poverty in Cambridge and beyond. You’ll learn about the impacts of period poverty in New England and find out how you can support the I AM Bill, which would offer free period products in Massachusetts schools. While registration is preferred, it is not required. Walk-ins are welcome! Girl Up is a United Nations Foundation initiative for gender equality, uniting girls to change the world.
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Activities for Kids
This week, these programs will be offered at our Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, Main, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente locations.
Sing-Alongs
Story Times
Book Groups
Learn more about our Book Groups.
Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, February 26
10-10:20 a.m.
Just for you and your baby! Enjoy time with other parents, caregivers, and babies to learn, play, and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for 0-12 months. Come prepared to sit on the floor with your baby in your lap. This program can accommodate 15 babies and their caregivers. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The entire party must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
Wellness for Seniors: Low Impact® (Virtual)
Monday, February 26
11-11:45 a.m.
This class is designed for people of all levels to strengthen muscles, the heart, and the brain--all while having fun and moving to great music! Come as you are and take everything at your own pace. You will feel the benefits in mind and body!
Registration is required for each session. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Monday, February 26, 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, February 27, 3:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 29, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, March 1, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 2, 12:45 -4:30 p.m.
During this period, anyone who has completed The Hive Safety Training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, February 26
4-4:45 p.m.
It’s a weekly block party! Bring friends to design and build amazing LEGO structures. Let your imagination run wild! The Children's Room has plenty of LEGO pieces, so you don’t need to bring your own. Be aware that LEGO pieces are choking hazards for young children, so this program is for children ages 5+ and their caregivers. It can accommodate 30 builders. Children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. This program starts promptly, and any unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. Learn more.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Monday, February 26
5-6 p.m.
Need help with a class? Have a question before an exam? Tutors are available to help you! Cambridge School Volunteers and the Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please contact us with any questions at 617-349-4027 (voice) or via relay at 711.
MAKE-UP WORKSHOP: Fiber Arts Adventure with Lenni: A Machine-Sewing Workshop Series (Main)
Monday, February 26
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Continue building your machine-sewing skills AND create bespoke sewn crafts! Learn how to make patterns and create your own aprons and backpacks. This four-part series is led by the fiber artist and designer Lenni Armstrong. Registration is required. Those registered for the first session will automatically be enrolled in the following weeks. Spots are very limited; kindly enroll only if you plan to attend all four workshops.
ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, February 26
6-7 p.m.
Join us for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)! This class will be taught at a beginner level. No testing is needed. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, February 26
6-7 p.m.
Come join us for a chess challenge. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. This is not an instructional class, but rather a gathering for individuals who want to play and test their skills against other members of the community. There's no need to register. Simply drop by and challenge yourself to improve your mastery of this classic game!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4017 or via email: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov or mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov.
Email Basics (Main)
Tuesday, February 27
11 a.m.-Noon
Don't have an e-mail yet, but want to make one? Maybe you have e-mail (like Yahoo or Hotmail) but don't have a gmail (Google email) account yet? Create your very own in this class! Learn the basics to get you started. Each participant will create a gmail account, and then we will cover basic e-mail skills together. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Tuesday, February 27
1-2:30 p.m.
Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out using our Sindoh 3D printers. In this workshop, you will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing badge for future reservations in The Hive. Before taking this workshop, you will need to complete The Hive Safety Training and create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account. Register here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, February 27
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters as you work, get inspired, pick up skills, and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, and mend. Refreshments will be provided.
Teen Advisory Board Meeting (Main)
Tuesday, February 27
4-5 p.m.
Teens! Help us plan teen programs for the Library! Earn community service hours! Enjoy free snacks! We meet monthly during the school year. No registration is required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.
STEAM Academy: iFp Labs (Main)
Tuesday, February 27
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Labs start with students' interest in building a better world and introduce them to the underlying science and math principles that will bring their solutions to life. Youth in 7th and 8th grades are invited to join iFp on a journey into the world of artificial intelligence with “Smart Cars AI: Driving Innovation for All.” This 13-week adventure invites students to dive into the world of self-driving cars at the intersection of technology and innovation.
Candle Making Workshop (Central Square)
Tuesday, February 27
6-8 p.m.
Join us during the last week of Black History Month for a candle making workshop with the local business owner of Within, Thaisha Guerrier. Thaisha will provide an educational and instructional workshop about the art of candle making. Please register in advance and come join us at Central Square Branch! This workshop is full; a wait list is available.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, February 27
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm
Wednesday, February 28, and Friday, March 1
10-11 a.m.
Join us in this 12-week Tai Chi practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low-impact routine. Sifu Mynor Diaz has been learning and teaching Tai Chi classes for over 20 years. He has taught at five VA Boston Healthcare System locations and at Senior Centers. Note: We will be running two separate Tai Chi Paradigm series this year, a Wednesday series and a Friday series. Due to its subject matter, we expect participants to attend all the classes. Please register for only one series. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Black History Walking Tour Reception (Collins)
Wednesday, February 28
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Join us at the Collins Branch to celebrate Black History Month and learn more about the Black men and women buried at Mount Auburn Cemetery. We will be distributing copies of our ”Black History Walking Tour of Mount Auburn Cemetery,” a guide developed by librarians and the cemetery staff. Pick up your copy and a warm beverage and take a self-guided stroll of the cemetery! This walk covers freedom seekers and reformers, lawyers and legislators, athletes and business owners, musicians and authors. Born in the 1800s, these individuals achieved success in politics, business, literature, and the arts.
If you have any questions, contact Lucy at LFlamm@CambridgeMA.gov or by phone at 617-349-4021. Registration is not needed for this reception. Registration is only needed to receive a digital copy if you cannot attend the event.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-in (O’Connell)
Wednesday, February 28
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters. Work on your craft, get inspired, pick up skills, and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, mend, and cross stitch.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, February 28
1-3 p.m.
Looking for assistance creating a résumé or finding jobs? Join us for assistance with job hunting and online applications. No registration is required. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill)
Wednesday, February 28
1-2:30 p.m.
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Conversation Practice. This group is for those with an intermediate or high level of English language skill. No testing is required. For more information on other ESOL classes, please call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
Sewing 101 (Main)
Wednesday, February 28
1-2:30 p.m.
In this workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Wednesdays of Wonder - WOW! (O’Neill)
Wednesday, February 28
3-4:30 p.m.
Come for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. No registration is required.
Intro to Library e-Resources (Main)
Wednesday, February 28
3-4 p.m.
Explore all the online resources that the Library offers! Please bring your library card.
We will have laptops and mice prepared for the class. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (Boudreau)
Wednesday, February 28
4-4:45 p.m.
Would you like help navigating the Library's e-resources like Libby or Hoopla? Or maybe you need some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Book a free one-on-one tech help session.
Some topics we cover include:
- Downloading library eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines to your tablet, smartphone, or laptop
- Navigating databases and other library resources such as LinkedIn Learning
- Using the Internet and e-mail
- Setting up devices like smartphones or streaming devices
Guidelines for basic tech help:
- Scheduled sessions run between 30 and 45 minutes.
- Please bring your device, cords, and any necessary account information.
- Library staff cannot be held responsible for damage to patrons’ equipment.
If you have questions, please send them to ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov.
Free Drop-In Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Wednesday, February 28
5-6 p.m.
Need help with a class? Have a question before an exam? Tutors are available to help you! Cambridge School Volunteers and the Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please contact 617-349-4027 with any questions.
Sewing Circle (Main)
Wednesday, February 28
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Continue building your machine-sewing skills AND receive support as you work on your own sewing projects with our Library sewing community. Participants must register but may drop in at any time. This program is designed for patrons who know the basics of how to use our Janome sewing machines. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Tali Sharot and Cass R. Sunstein Present Look Again: The Power of Noticing What Was Always There. (Main)
Wednesday, February 28
6-7:30 p.m.
Harvard Book Store and the Library welcome Tali Sharot, the award-winning author and professor of cognitive neuroscience at University College London and MIT, and Cass R. Sunstein, the nation's most-cited legal scholar and co-author of the national bestseller Nudge,for a discussion of their new book, Look Again: The Power of Noticing What Was Always There. Registration is required.
Trivia Night! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, February 28
6:15-7 p.m.
Come join us for Trivia Night! Players of all ages are welcome to test their knowledge of science, history, literature, and culture. Snacks will be provided. Individuals and groups are welcome. Registration is helpful but not required.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Thursday, February 29
2-4 p.m.
Learn how to cut, engrave, and shape designs from a variety of materials using the Glowforge Pro laser cutter in this workshop. This two-hour workshop replaces the previous two-part Glowforge 101 offering; the content and length of this workshop and the two-part series are the same. You will start by using the camera on the Glowforge to focus and scan your own custom images, properly select materials for your project, and fabricate your first design. You will create digital artwork for the Glowforge and learn file formatting for production. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available. Note: This is a badging course for laser cutting. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this program. View The Hive's workshop schedule here.
Ludicrous Leap Day! - Drop-in (O'Neill)
Thursday, February 29
3-4:30 p.m.
Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to drop in anytime for a silly Leap Day activity.
Read To A Dog (Valente)
Thursday, February 29
3:30-5 p.m.
Meet our new friend Dante, a therapy dog certified through Bright Spot Therapy Dogs. Trained therapy dogs provide warm and nonjudgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015).
Black History Month at the CPL: Exploring Opera, Art Song, and The Harlem Renaissance (Main)
Thursday, February 29
6-7:30 p.m.
Join us for a special preview of Opera on Tap's upcoming show, “Opera, Art Song, and the Harlem Renaissance: Celebrating Black Excellence.” Some of Boston’s finest classical singers will be exploring music born of and inspired by the vibrant Harlem Renaissance while diving deep into the narratives of Black musicians, poets, and composers. The dialogue will delve into the cultural tapestry of this influential era, highlighting the profound impact it has had on the world of classical music. Attendees won't want to miss this unique opportunity to connect with the powerful stories that continue to shape the artistic landscape.
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Thursday, February 22
7-8 p.m.
Saturday, March 2
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Extended reality (XR) opens the door to worlds and experiences outside the everyday through virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality equipment. Test drive our Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality glasses, Structure Sensor 3D scanner, Merge headsets, and more. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. This workshop is full; a waitlist is enabled.
Cambridge Young Authors' Squad (O'Neill)
Friday, March 1
4-5 p.m.
Young people ages 10 to 14 who love to write are welcome to share their ideas and writing. There will be time for share-outs/workshopping, as well as group or solo writing. Snacks are provided! If you are attending for the first time, registration is helpful but not required.
Day of Action for Menstrual Equity! (Main)
Saturday, March 2
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Join the Girl Up New England Coalition and the Library for a Day of Action for Menstrual Equity! Together, we will assemble sustainable period kits for local girls in need while hearing from youth advocates, local entrepreneurs, and other women leaders speaking out against period poverty in Cambridge and beyond. You’ll learn about the impacts of period poverty in New England and find out how you can support the I AM Bill, which would offer free period products in Massachusetts schools. NOTE: While registration is preferred, it is not required. Walk-ins are welcome! Girl Up is a United Nations Foundation initiative for gender equality, uniting girls to change the world.
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All the best!
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries
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The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information, contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice) or via relay at 711.